Anyone want to weigh in to help me choose a project pony? :)

[horsenic]

Hey there! I thought I’d cross post here for anyone not on the jumping forums, as I still need help deciding lol. There are a few super cute 3yr old welsh projects a province over from me. I’m going to get one (maaaaybe two) shipped here sight unseen - but I’m having a heck of a time choosing! I’d truly appreciate any input on their conformation, movement, etc. Purpose would be possibly eventers, or else just super cute all-around prospects/ low level dressage/ mountain horses if jumping is not their thing!

I know the shots and videos aren’t ideal, but they’re all I’m getting. Thanks so much in advance to anyone who goes through these and gives some input!

Flint: Registered 1/2 Welsh, 15.1h (anyone notice anything possibly funky with his hind end?

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/14UzW4S6HgKtZeX1pdW8youwEnbb2dOm8?usp=sharing

Farmer: Registered Section D Welsh, 14.2h

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1GsNkzJEdIxWvj0pQplbrvJoQ7fgz7ktY?usp=sharing

Fionn: Registered 1/2 Welsh, 14.2h

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1164zBR7zC0ApGoZ0EYW1mBkPOzK7u4wV?usp=sharing

[exvet]

As a former Welsh Cob breeder who has produced a few crosses as well, all having gone on to sports/performance careers I would definitely pass on the first one. Of the remaining two, I would place my money on number three, the 1/2 Welsh. I think the second one is a good representative of the breed though I would prefer more length of rein and he looks to have less scope in front. That isn’t to say he couldn’t be a decent fun cob to ride; but, he’s more driving type in my opinion. Having said all that, I’m guessing the third one may have the mind and disposition to lend itself for what you want…but it’s hard to tell from these videos. I do recognize the farm. I am guessing you have experience with the breed? I also would guess you have a reasonable idea on how much handling these guys have had…

[horsenic]

Thanks so much for the input!! Really good tips. I think Fionn will be the one I bring home! Yes, I do have experience with the breed, and know that these guys are untouched I’m in for a hopefully rewarding challenge!

[sirensong4]

For what it’s worth, I totally agree with @exvet. That third horse looks like it could be really fun!

[anon81364900]

Flint- yeah, there’s something in that R hind-- a sticky stifle maybe? He’s got a real hitch in his movement when he goes to place the R hind on the ground. I mean, hard to tell in that video/those conditions, but it’s odd enough that I wouldn’t even consider buying sight unseen.

Farmer - just kinda meh. I didn’t see anything terrible, but just nothing wow’d me. Sturdy but unrefined, his natural gaits do not show much talent for dressage. If he was suuuuper cheap, maybe.

Fionn - favorite of the three, by far. Flashy movement, looks well-proportioned and refined, but solid. lovely trot.

[horsenic]

Awesome, thanks so much!! Looking forward to getting Fionn home he’ll likely stay pony sized too, which is nice!

[Bogie]

Fionn would be my choice too.

[sparkygrace]

Yes, the pony named Fionn is the nicest. They are in Canada, correct? I recognize the place. If I am correct, I know an older Welsh gelding from the same place who is a spectacular mover.

[Le_Equestrian]

I’m not sure what you would want to do, but a pony is better than a small horse, for Hunters at least, because - 14.2 will have perfect stride for the Large Ponies, but a 15.1 horse won’t have the stride for the lines.

Edit- just read they would do some eventing! I think what I said still applies but I have no clue!

[horsenic]

I’m an eventer, yes! But ultimately buy unbroken projects for resale, in whatever they want to be when they grow up I’ve never had a full pony, so it will be an interesting new market for me!

[horsenic]

Pretty excited to get this guy home!!

Attachment-1-1.jpeg

[exvet]

There is a definite market for the ponies in all the sport venues. I usually sold mine to the CDE market/eventers (cross-breds)/dressage. I have found the market a bit better in recent days, of course after I stopped breeding LOL. Still I never had a problem selling a large that had 3 good gaits and a solid mind that was also well handled. Most of mine sold before they ever came close to hitting the age of 3.

[WildLittleWren]

I have to agree, I like Fionn the best! So have you bought him?

[Libby2563]

Yay!! Pics when he arrives!

I’m contemplating another project pony myself. He’s a super cute 14.2 hh Connemara, but the catch is that he’s 10 and essentially unstarted. He was longed and lightly started 2 or 3 years ago so I’d plan to start over from scratch. His age and level of training probably make him a terrible choice for a resale project but he’s cute and needs an education that the owner can’t provide herself and can’t afford to pay for so…maybe…

[horsenic]

Amazing! I may have to see what this new guy thinks of CDE, such a cool looking sport.

[horsenic]

Ohh amazing!! Always buy the project pony! Connemaras are awesome and hard to come by at good prices - feel free to forward me the info if you decide to pass on him!

[candyappy]

I liked Fionn the best too. The first one was so fat and with the uneven footing , snow piles and other issues he just didn’t look right.

I hope you get him home and post pictures soon. He is really nice.

[horsenic]

Thank you so much! I’ll update with pics once he’s home, for sure

[Ruth0552]

Fionn is my fave, by far. I don’t love the blocky conformation on the first one, and the 2nd one, while not bad, isn’t as nice as the last one and plus he’s WHITE. God help me.

That last one is SUPER cute. Nice build, nice markings, moves well. Hopefully he’s not a loon.

[horsenic]

Thanks so much Ruth! I’m buying the last one, Fionn. Very excited and will update in a couple months!